News
Nigeria: Journalists detained, harassed, assaulted while covering state elections
Nigerian authorities should investigate and hold accountable those responsible for the detention, harassment, and assault of journalists nationwide during the March 9 gubernatorial and state assembly elections, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.
Journalists covering the elections told CPJ they were detained and harassed by security services or other armed individuals, denied access to report on polling stations, forced to delete photographs, and assaulted.
“The freedom and fairness of any election requires that journalists are permitted to work unimpeded and without fear,” said Angela Quintal, CPJ Africa program coordinator, in New York. “Nigeria must act to ensure journalists can work safely during elections, and the first step is to hold responsible those who attacked or impeded the media during the recent polls.”
Nonso Isiguzo, a news editor with the privately owned Nigeria Info radio station, told CPJ that he was traveling on election day between polling stations to report on elections in the Ahoada West local government area in Rivers state when armed men, some wearing camouflage uniforms, stopped their Nigeria Info-branded car, told Isiguzo and his driver, Sunday Isiitu, to get out, and took their car keys. Shortly afterwards, a second car carrying five others whom Isiguzo identified as journalists with accredited press tags was also stopped at the same point on the road, he said.
“I said, ‘I’m a journalist. I’m just here to monitor the election’,” Isiguzo told CPJ. But the armed men told Isiguzo, without elaborating, that their “boss” was being held by the military and the journalists would only be released once the boss was free.
The men released Isiguzo, Isiitu, and the other journalists after holding them on the side of the road for two hours, after which Isiguzo did not continue reporting in the area, he told CPJ.
CPJ could not immediately determine the identities of the five people from the second car.
On March 10, Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission suspended all election processes in Rivers due to “widespread disruption,” including violence and hostage taking, according to a statement posted on the official election administration body’s verified Twitter account.
Also on election day, Segun Adewale, a local politician known as “Aeroland” and a member of the People’s Democratic Party, hit and shoved BBC reporter Ajoke Ulohotse in Nigeria’s southwestern Lagos-Abeokuta area, according to a report by BBC Pidgin, which included video of the incident, and a BBC statement emailed to CPJ.
“We will be notifying the police in due course following an incident involving a BBC reporter in Lagos-Abeokuta on 9 March,” the BBC statement said.
Adewale claimed the BBC “lied” and he did not “beat up a lady,” in a tweet from a social media account linked to his official webpage. CPJ emailed Adewale for comment but received an error message stating that his account was no longer active.
In Damatuzu, a local government area in Nigeria’s northeastern Yobe state, members of the Nigerian military detained for over an hour journalists Musa Mingyi, with the privately owned Blueprint newspaper, and Hamisu Kabir Matazu, of the privately owned Daily Trust newspaper, according to Mingyi and the Daily Trust.
“We told them we are journalists and we are covering [the] election,” Mingyi told CPJ. “They did not harm us, but they denied us access to go do our rightful duties.”
A statement issued on the Nigerian army’s Facebook page by Njoka Irabor, the army’s acting assistant director of public relations, said “no journalist was held hostage” and the journalists’ car was stopped as part of “routine checks on vehicles as part of security measures during the elections.”
CPJ called Irabor repeatedly for comment and was disconnected; texts to his number were not immediately returned.
Kunle Sanni, a reporter for the privately owned Premium Times news website, told CPJ he was held for nearly 30 minutes in the Shendam local government area of Plateau state and forced by three men who identified themselves as “farmers” to delete photos of what he believed were underage voters.
After witnessing Sanni photograph children holding voting cards, the men took him aside, charged his phone because it had died, searched through his apps (including his social media accounts), and deleted images, Sanni said.
“They [even] went into the Google backup and deleted [photos],” Sanni said, but added he had already managed to send several photos to his editor.
Collin Ossai, a broadcast reporter with the privately owned Channels TV station, told CPJ that he, his cameraperson, and a radio journalist with Speed FM were blocked from reporting at a polling station in the Esan Central local government area in Edo state.
Ossai said a man identifying himself as a state assembly candidate blocked their car from approaching the polling station at around 7:35 a.m., as the journalists were trying to see if election materials had arrived on time.
Ossai told CPJ that he exited the car and tried negotiate passage with the candidate. But about 10 men surrounded the car and began pushing him and telling him he could not enter the polling station, he said. The journalists left without gaining access, and Ossai said that “big guys” intimidated him into not bringing his camera out while trying to cover several other polling stations in the area.
In Kaduna state, a group of more than 20 men attacked Shinzong Bala, a reporter with the publicly funded Radio Nigeria station, and Amos Tauna, a reporter with the privately owned Daily Post newspaper, while they were investigating alleged election-related arrests and burning cars around the town of Zonkwa’s police station, Bala and Tauna told CPJ.
“We tried to identify ourselves… we were even wearing media vests that were given to us by INEC [the Independent National Electoral Commission],” Bala told CPJ.
The men attacked the journalists with stones and wooden sticks, took Bala’s phone, recorder, and car keys, as well as Tauna’s press pass, the journalists said.
Bala managed to retrieve his belongings after paying the men, but said his clothes were ripped and his body was bruised in the attack. Tauna said his pass was not returned.
CPJ contacted Yakubu Soba, a public relations officer for the Nigerian police in Kaduna, via WhatsApp for comment. Soba requested more specifics about the incident for the police to be able to follow up, which CPJ provided.
During Nigeria’s 2019 federal and state elections, CPJ worked with local civil society and press freedom groups including YIAGA, Civil Society Situation Room, Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism, Institute for Media and Society, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, and the Lagos-based International Press Centre to track press freedom issues.
The Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and representative of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, on Saturday urged the community to unite in advancing key development projects aimed at transforming Ikogosi.
Speaking at this year’s Ikogosi Day celebration and the launch of a N1 billion development project in Ekiti, the lawmaker, who served as the Chairman of the occasion, emphasised the importance of unity and collective action.
He encouraged attendees to approach the celebration as a call to action for the betterment of their community.
“As we all know, Ikogosi is not merely a town; it is a treasured gem in the heart of Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said. “Ikogosi, a historic and vibrant town, plays a vital role in the tourism and economic landscape of Ekiti State. Its rich cultural heritage and unique resources draw visitors and stimulate economic activities that benefit us all.”
“Today is not just a celebration; it is a call to action,” he continued. “Let us come together, united in purpose, to support these transformative projects that promise to uplift the Ikogosi community. I urge everyone here to invest their time, resources, and energy in this endeavor. Together, we can build a legacy of self-help and development that future generations will cherish.”
Reflecting on the broader challenges facing the country, Oseni encouraged the people of Ikogosi and all Nigerians to remain hopeful and resilient, assuring them of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to a brighter future for the nation.
“To the good people of Ikogosi and all citizens of Nigeria, I urge you to remain steadfast and hopeful. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for all Nigerians. The APC-led administration’s Renewed Hope agenda holds the promise of a brighter future. Though the beginnings may be challenging, perseverance will guide us toward a prosperous new Nigeria,” he stated.
In a statement released by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker lauded the Ekiti State government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership for its transformative efforts in governance and development.
He acknowledged the strides made by the governor and praised his impactful initiatives, which have set Ekiti on a progressive path.
“First and foremost, let me commend the Ekiti State government under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. The trailblazing development initiatives and effective governance during your tenure have not gone unnoticed,” Oseni remarked.
“Under your stewardship, we have witnessed remarkable progress and commendable governance that have undoubtedly made Ekiti State a shining example of peace and development,” he added.
The Nigerian Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ignited widespread public reaction following his response to recent criticisms by Engr. Aderemi Oseni, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, had accused Umahi of neglecting essential infrastructure needs, alleging that the minister has “no plan for the nation.”
At a committee oversight meeting last Thursday, the lawmaker expressed his frustration over the worsening state of roads across the country.
“You are not here to tell us what we already know in the area of resources,” Oseni stated. “If you are telling us the reason you have failed in fixing our road infrastructure is because of resources, don’t let me take you up on that, because you concentrated your energy as a minister on less priority issues.”
Hon. (Engr.) Aderemi Oseni, representing Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency of Oyo state
In response, Umahi addressed a press briefing at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday, dismissing Oseni’s comments.
He remarked that Oseni “had not attained half of what I have achieved in life” and added that he would “not join issues with the lawmaker” out of respect for the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly.
Speaking further, the minister suggested that Oseni was representing contractors affected by recent reforms in the Ministry of Works.
“Let me say that I was not physically present at the meeting, nor was my permanent secretary,” Umahi said. “Nobody can talk to me like that in my presence. It’s not possible.”
Public Outcry: Nigerians Demand Accountability
Umahi’s remarks have drawn backlash on social media, where Nigerians urged him to focus on addressing their concerns about deplorable road conditions rather than deflecting criticisms.
Many expressed frustration with the state of federal roads, calling on the minister to prioritize solutions over defensiveness.
“Mr umahi, ur have actually abandoned our existing roads all over Nigeria and focusing on elephants projects”, commented Daniel Morgan. “Travelling from Southwest to Southeast is now by the special grace of God. Please do something and stop criticizing the messenger and look into the massage.”
Charles Anarado added, “No matter how one may look at this matter, Oseni stands on a sound good point that building a new stretch of road for N15trillion that is more than enough to fix all the bad major roads around the country seems indeed to be a misplaced priority. It’s just like parent using the funds meant for paying his children to school to buy a car to take them to school. His decision may seem good but paying school fees should certainly be his priority”.
Calls for Transparency and Priority on Repairs
Other Nigerians joined the conversation, with some social media users demanding more accountability from the minister.
Nnaemeka Mekah voiced frustration over Umahi’s response to criticism, stating, “This short man takes every criticism as a personal attack. Oga minister, MOST NIGERIAN ROADS ARE IMPASSABLE NOW, and you’re doing absolutely nothing about it. Dunno what else you claim to have achieved in life, but as far as Nigerian toads are concerned, you’re a monumental failure”.
Another user, Nanmah Fanto, supported Oseni’s criticisms, commenting, , “The Reps Committee Chairman, was absolutely correct 2 tell Umahi d truth about accountability n Umahi’s lack of given priority 2 existing bad roads, n concentrating on unimportant road construction. I used 2 think Umahi was wise, until that incident I realized that he wasn’t better at all, he’s also thinking of enriching himself at d detriment of fixing our bad roads. Now, I know better, he shouldn’t be given any more funds until he explains how judiciously he spent d #300 billion given to him”.
Meanwhile, Facebook user, Dapo Oyedele suggested a constructive approach, urging Umahi to respond with facts.
“It’s not about joining issues, it’s accountability. The truth is that federal roads are very bad. But your ministry is doing it’s best. The roads are many… Reply the honourable with facts and figures of what has been done in about one and half years and what’s are your plans to improve the situation of the roads as d minister”.
Nationwide Demand for Effective Solutions
Frustration over Nigeria’s roads continued to echo online, with many demanding that Umahi focus on repairing existing infrastructure.
Ogheneovo Peter William, another Facebook user remarked, “I will join issue Because na bitter the lawmaker tell you, Bad roads every, People are suffering from una bad policies, Them people go still suffer bad road”? he questioned.
“It is not about joining the issue with anyone. It is about fixing the existing roads that we have and stop this white elephant project of Lagos calabar costar road”, a user on Facebook, Sunday Adewuyi Adedokun said.
Continuing, Francis Azuka Obukwelu opined on the ‘blue App’, “He should say something about the bad roads in Nigeria”.
The Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has made a donation of ten million naira (N10m) towards the Mogajis’ Ile Eke project in Ibadan.
Oseni, who also represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State, said the donation is aimed at supporting the Mogajis assembly’s project that holds immense cultural significance for the wider Ibadan community.
According to him, the project will remain a testament to the cultural and historical legacy of Ibadanland as it is expected to preserve the historic relevance of the palace while enhancing its role as a cultural landmark.
In a statement released on Saturday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the lawmaker emphasised the importance of preserving cultural heritage and fostering unity within traditional institutions.
He highlighted that the project would not only elevate the status of the Mogajis’ assembly but also serve as a central hub for promoting Ibadan’s rich cultural history.
“It is a privilege that I was called to be part of the project. If I fail to support it, the project will still be successful, but I believe I have to contribute. My life is dedicated to serving God Almighty, the people, and humanity,” Oseni said.
He further stated, “As a son of the soil, it is my responsibility to contribute to the growth of our shared heritage – Ibadan and by extension, Oyo state as a whole. The Mogajis’ Ile Eke project symbolises our collective identity and unity as a people. This donation is my modest contribution towards ensuring that future generations can connect with their roots.”
-
News1 week agoOseni Donates N10m to Support Ibadan’s Mogaji Ile Eke Project
-
News1 week ago
Lead City Varsity Hosts Conference on Leadership, Personality Development
-
News4 days ago
Bad Roads: ‘Focus on Message, Not Messenger’ – Nigerians Tell Works Minister, Umahi
-
Politics6 days ago
Oseni Salutes Senator Folarin’s Decades of Service at 61
